On her arrival in Melbourne on the 13th Shropshire secured to the Outer West Princes' Pier at 1000. Captain Showers ordered clear lower deck on 15 April so that his predecessor, Captain Nichols, could address what remained of his old ship's company as well as new members to this fine old heavy cruiser.

Captain Nichols was our longest serving captain. He joined Shropshire on 18 September 1944, remained for eighteen months until relieved by Captain Showers. He reminisced and spoke of his term with Shropshire, especially the battles endured throughout the grim days of the Philippines liberation campaigns and numerous kamikaze attacks at Leyte Gulf and Lingayen and the naval battle, when we took part in the sinking of the IJN battleship - Yamashiro in Surigao Strait.

Afterwards Captain Nichols made his farewells to his officers and other ranks prior to departing for the UK.

Sometime later I wrote to Captain Nichols and requested a resumé of his naval career and following is a precis of his thirty-five years service with the RN and RAN. Captain Godfrey Nichols died on 20 June 1986 at the age of eighty-seven years.

During Shropshire's brief stay in Melbourne 13 to 18 April 1946 many calls were made by senior officers from Navy Office. As large numbers of drafts took place, consisting in the main of new entry ordinary seamen. After provisioning ship and loading food for Britain, the London Victory March Contingent was embarked with luggage at 1430. A large crowd of friends, relatives and well-wishers were present to see them sail.

Hobart, wearing Commodore J.A. Collins' broad pendant, moved from Williamstown to a berth adjacent to Shropshire at Princes Pier for the departure. The Governor of Victoria, His Excellency, Major-General Sir Winston Duggan, KCMG, CB, DSO went on board the flagship Hobart to join in with the crew and the people ashore to cheer as Shropshire departed at 1600 on 18 April 1946. The weather deteriorated on Saturday 20 April and gale-force winds made things decidedly uncomfortable for the passengers.

The heavy rolling of ten to fifteen degrees and rough sea conditions caused some newly fitted storage equipment and lockers to break loose and collapse. However, the winds abated after about eighteen hours and the swell subsided twelve hours later. Conditions improved to make our crew and passengers a little less apprehensive. Reminiscing is always part of a sailor's life and it was related that this rolling was not to be compared with the heavy and very dangerous experiences Shropshire's crew had to contend with during the typhoons in the China Sea. Our helmsman Leading Seaman Laurie Lodge had reason to be concerned when Shropshire heeled over 30 to 35 degrees where it was a case of practically standing on the bulkheads and thinking is she going to return to the vertical or not, and of course remembering that the steering position was down in the bowels of the ship, not on the bridge as seen in most ships - so he would have had little chance to escape if in fact we had foundered.

This incident stated by Laurie Lodge, was in fact close to the truth because I experienced a similar happening during this particular typhoon when I was walking aft on the starboard side to see a solid wall of water, deck head high gush through the torpedo space, carrying what I thought was a luckless sailor to his doom to find that he had hung on to the second guard rail as he was washed overboard and hung suspended in space. It happened so fast that when we slowly rolled to port again the sailor had clambered back on board and disappeared.

Arriving off Fremantle at 0800 on Tuesday the 23rd, Captain Showers received an official call from the naval officer-in-charge, Fremantle, Commodore C.J. Pope CBE, RAN. He called on the Lieutenant-Governor, the Deputy Premier and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Perth and Major-General J. Whitelaw OBE General Officer Commanding Western Command who returned Captain Showers' call by visiting Shropshire at 1645. We refuelled, watered and replenished food stocks before sailing at 1000 on the 24th for Cape Town.

By this time many willing and voluntary helpers from the 'passengers' assisted in the cleaning and painting of the upper deck areas as well as partaking in physical training to keep fit for the busy days ahead. It was reported by Darcy Hatwell that some of our visitors even joined, unknowingly, the ship's usual 1600 defaulters consisting of rifle and other exercises and being kept in line by the duty gunner's mate, although he softened his tone due to the presence of women on board. Hatwell, always the comedian, could not remembered if the old 'show a leg' wakey-wakey call was exercised by checking to see if the legs were hairy or smooth, but I am sure he would have liked to carry out the check.

An appendectomy case carried out on 30 April, was successful and the patient was removed from the seriously ill list on 5 May. At least one victory contingent member had some excercising to do to be ready for the hectic days in London. We also had some good news, some airmail had arrived from home. Shropshire arrived at Cape Town on 9 May 1946 to secure at 'J' Berth, Duncan Basin.

Captain Showers made five official calls whilst in Cape Town to the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic, Vice-Admiral Sir Robert L. Burnett, KCB, KBE, DSO, the Administrator of Cape Province Mr J. DeVilliers, the Cape Fortress Commander, His Excellency the Governor-General and His Worship the Mayor of Cape Town, A. Bloomberg Esq. Three of these officials returned the calls and visited Captain Showers on board Shropshire. The Cape Fortress Commander, the Assistant Secretary of the Administrator who was up country and the Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Burnett.

On 10 May, Captain Showers in company with General Officer Commanding Victory March Contingent, Major-General Eather CBE, DSO attended an official dinner at Government House, Rondebosch.

Our victory contingent was to have marched through Cape Town but this had to be cancelled due to bad weather. The group was bitterly disappointed to miss this opportunity for a 'dress rehearsal'.

Captain Showers reported that the hospitality given by the people of Cape Town was overwhelming and in addition to many personal invitations the South African Women's Auxiliary Services' and the 'Australian and New Zealand Association' arranged dances at the Bohemia Club for the officers and at the mayor's garden canteen for the ratings. The ladies from these associations arranged many car trips to visit places of interest enabling many of Shropshire's ship's company and passengers to see a good deal of the countryside. A return cocktail party in Shropshire was arranged for officials and our hosts and hostesses from these two associations on 10 May 1946 but due to the weather, it was held in the ward room with some guests spilling over into the keyboard flat. During this time our sick bay had to contend with the usual minor medical upsets from crew and passengers. A touch of drama occurred when an appendix operation on one passenger was done. The Royal Naval Hospital, Simonstown requested a passage for a cot-case to the United Kingdom so they had at least two 'genuine' sick people to look after. Despite heavy rain, a large crowd gathered to farewell Shropshire when she sailed on 11 May at 1100.

Captain Showers later reported that the conduct of all who went ashore in Cape Town was most satisfactory and further added that he received a letter from Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Burnett, which read: 'You and the General might be glad to know of the very fine impression all your lassies and lads made on the people of Cape Town. I as British C-in-C and a Scotsman, receive reflected glory and as head of the services here, am grateful and proud'.

The passage to Freetown, Sierra Leone was quiet except for the 'crossing the line' ceremony on 18 May at 1000. All participated including the victory march contingent. We sighted Cape Sierra Leone at 0600, 21 May, and anchored off the naval fuelling station at 0757. No leave was granted because of local instructions but Captain Showers in company with Major General Eather officially called and lunched with His Excellency, Sir Hubert Stevenson, KCMG, MC, Governor of Sierra Leone and Colonel Proctor, General Officer Commanding the Local Defence. Airmail was received and we also embarked a small quantity of 'free freight' stores, a diplomatic bat for the Admiralty and 1164 tons of fuel oil before weighing anchor at 1513 and proceeding to Portsmouth the same day. An enjoyable concert was staged on 22 and 23 May by a combined group of ship's company and the victory march contingent.

Two days later, on the 25th, we steamed through a passage in the Canary Islands group and although distant, provided a break from just looking at the sea. As we approached our destination, we encountered persistent thick fog after rounding Ushant and Nab Tower which was close to Spithead. The value and accuracy of our surface warning radar was never more evident but, at the same time, we were pleased to embark the dockyard pilot. We passed the Outer Spit buoy at 1200 and secured at the Pitch House jetty thirteen minutes later on 30 May 1946.

Our Commonwealth Resident Minister, The Right Hon. J. Beasley MHR accompanied by Captain (S) Foley, CBE, the naval liaison officer together with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth came on board and Mr Beasley took the opportunity to address the Contingent as well as the ship's company. Many official calls and return calls were made to the ship. These included The Commodore RN Barracks Portsmouth, Commodore G.A.B. Hawkins MVO, DSC; The Officer-in-Charge, RAF Station on Thorney Island, The Senior Officer, ATS; The Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton KCB, KCMG, DSO; the Admiral Superintendent, Vice-Admiral L.V. Morgan CB, DSO and Commodore J.A.S. Eccles CBE, Chief Staff Officer to the Commander-in-Chief.

The service women of the contingent left Shropshire to be guests of the WRNS at the RN barracks for the afternoon and the night. On 31 May at 1000, Captain Showers called on the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and later at 1100 received General Smart, head of the Australian Military Mission in London on board for discussions.

The victory march contingent disembarked at 1145 to march through Queen's Street, Edinburgh Road and Commercial Road to the Portsmouth Town Station for their journey to London. More visits were made to the ship. These included: Admiral (Air), Rear Admiral G.N. Oliver CB, DSO, Commodore R.N. Barracks Lee-on-Solent, Commodore F.W. Antice as well as our most welcome visitors from the County of Shropshire. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County of Shropshire, General Sir Charles Grant, KCB, KCVO, DSO, the Colonel of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry Regiment together with Sir Offley Wakeman Chairman of the Shropshire County Council, Alderman A. Kennedy, Mayor of Shrewsbury and Mr C.G. Gobber the Clerk of the Shropshire County visited, remained overnight and attended divisions and the Church Parade on Sunday morning 2 June 1946.

On the 3rd Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton visited the ship and Captain Showers welcomed the change to witness the ceremony of Beating the Retreat by the massed bands of all the marine depots. Some of the ship's company were given ten days shore leave whilst another bus load of thirty were driven to Epsom on the 5th to view the derby.

Another group of sixty ratings, some not to be so lucky, were sent daily to HMS Excellent for squad drill in preparation for selection as one of the eight from Shropshire to participate in the victory march on the 8th. Captain Showers was guest of Sir Charles and Lady Grant at the derby and was in time to see their Majesties the King and Queen arrive and drive down the straight to the Royal enclosure.

On the 6th, Shropshire's eight ratings left for Kensington Gardens to join the victory contingent. They formed up to complete three files of twelve in the RAN contingent to be led by a senior naval officer and an ensign bearer (names unknown). Captain Showers viewed the victory parade through London on 8 June 1946, from a stand adjacent to the saluting base and stated 'Australia had every reason to feel proud of its representatives'.

The story written by Artimus alias Chief Gunner's Mate Arthur W.F. Cooper DSM, RAN (Greek DSM) follows. He describes the period of the cruise from when the victory march contingent joined Shropshire in Melbourne on Thursday, 18 April 1946 until the order 'dismiss' came after the victory parade ceased on 8 June 1946.

I consider his story to be a magnificent account of the ship's company and the contingent both men and women, working together, playing together and training together, to excite anyone who enjoys reading about the happenings of the Royal Australian Navy and its sailors.

click to enlarge


VICTORY PARADE
by Artimus (Arthur W.F. Cooper)

Towering over the wharf at Port Melbourne as she lay berthed alongside Princes Pier loomed the great shape of HMAS Shropshire, with her clean lines shining with new grey paint, tall funnels, masts squat and business-like, equipped with the latest radar sets. Formidable guns bristled from every angle of her vast superstructure including the following:

8 x 8'' high angle guns as our main armament,
8 x 4'' high angle guns as our secondary armament,
2 x 8 barrel Pom Pom A/A mountings and
13 (40mm) Bofor A/A mountings.

This then was the famous fighting ship which was to be our future home for a period - this, the ship which was to take the Australian Victory March Contingent to England and back again. Certainly a ship well worthy to be sent on such a mission. There were other missions which she had been sent on which went by just as another task completed.

Visions of this 15 000 ton fully loaded ship of fighting might with drab war-time paint and no shiny brightwork, as she sidled into enemy territory and meted out death and destruction to the barbaric hordes from the north who menaced our shores - came to our minds

From her action at Cape Gloucester, Christmas 1943. Admiralty Islands - Aitape - Wewak - Hollandia - Wadke - Biak - and on to Moratai - then a pause and Leyte in the Philippines, with the surface action against a Japanese fleet at Surigao Straits - she always came through with flying colours. Followed by Lingayen Gulf - Corregidor - Labuan and Balikpapan and on to Subic Bay awaiting our ever advancing (but not to be) chance to hit back at Tokyo.

This the fighting unit - one of many - had gained fame in her own right and proved her worth as a super efficient ship with a name proud to be used in the annals of Australian history. She had come through shot and shell, mine, bomb and kamikaze, with barely a scratch and never a casualty. This, the quiet grey monster, before us here on the pier was the ship which we would soon get to know so well. On the wharf alongside gathered men and women in uniform amid crowds of civilians who were chatting and laughing.

The time was fast approaching now, when all would be marched on board and the Contingent members were bidding fond farewells to friends and relatives. Our first march had been accomplished earlier in the afternoon. For the first time we had united as one unit and formed the Australian Victory Contingent and marched through the proud city of Melbourne with its cheering crowds, sprinkling us with confetti, streamers, pats on the back, cameras, admiration on every face. From the finishing point of Batman Avenue we were taken on board buses and whisked along to Princes Pier and the ship

The Shropshire's crew were busy on deck as the appointed hour of departure drew near and soon the wharf echoed to clicking heels and crisp commands. Last minute farewells - tears - red faces - handkerchiefs - 'Goodbye, old man, have a good time, look after yourself.' We were on board having a smoke-oh.

Streamers appeared and very soon the ship's side had become a gaudy mass of paper ribbons - this departure had a completely new significance than on previous occasions - here was no fear in the minds of doting mothers, wives, sweethearts, but pride in thoughts and just a tinge of regret at the temporary departure of a loved one. The tears were for joy and the streamers just a last little connection of sweet memories.

Bustling tugs appeared and the sailors were singling up wires now. As is the usual naval practice, the crew is fallen in various groups, as the ships leave or enter harbour, but today it seemed as if the sailors as well as contingent were going to hold streamers and wave to people. Even streamers were unheard of ornaments to be dangling from a warship. If only Lord Nelson could see the Navy of today - but lo' just before eight bells the ship's speakers crackled into life and the order brought all hands to orderly movement.

'Hands fall in for leaving harbour - navy contingent muster on the quarter- deck - Army on 'B' Deck - RAAF on the funnel deck. ' Streamers were tied to guardrails and men and women members of the contingent sorted out and went to their allotted stations. Last-minute messages were passed between wharf and ship 'Don't forget to write' brought a buzz of laughter, 'how many times have we heard that'? Wires were cast off, the tugs began tooting and we slowly drew away from the pier.

On the quarterdeck the ship's band began to play farewell tunes and very soon we were turned and headed for sea. HMAS Hobart carrying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins was on the opposite wharf and the Governor of Victoria was present on Hobart, and we saluted as we slowly passed and the mighty engines carried us away and over the sea. After disperse sounded the Army and Air Force personnel sorted themselves out - suitcases were stowed, bags, trunks were carried away.

'Where do we eat, where's the canteen, sailor?' the sailors became information bureaus unto themselves. 'Oh yes, down the hatch in the galley flat, through the bulkhead door and over on the starboard side - Yes, see the jaunty' - the soldier went away scratching his head still none the wiser. As the hours ticked by all the immediate problems were solved - gear secured - men and women settled down to their quarters. The rip at the entrance to Port Philip Bay blinked in sight after dusk and the grey shape headed out into the high seas.

For the victory march men had been brought from all the corners of our great island continent, some had flown from the northern islands, others had been settled in civilian life after demobilisation - some permanent servicemen but the majority of the contingent had not seen service before the war. Here in this ship were certainly representatives of all branches of each service.

The selection for the contingent was approximately one in one thousand of Australia's front line men and allocation as follows:

Navy: 30 comprising 2 officers, 2 women members, 26 ratings
Army: 166 comprising 15 officers, 10 women members, 141 other ranks
RAAF: 59 comprising 10 officers, 7 women members, 42 other ranks

The crew of Shropshire, greatly diminished from our wartime complement of nearly 1300 was now reduced to approximately 800 officers and men giving a grand total of just over one thousand.

Before leaving Port Melbourne the forward magazine had been emptied of all explosives and compartments filled with gift food for Britain. Besides this every available compartment was stowed with food for the crew which was to last until the ship arrived at a food port away from England after the parade - we were not going to draw on England's meagre supplies. The ship's canteen had also been well stocked out with tinned foods, chocolate, dripping, soap, etc, all the commodities in short supply in Britain, and to supplement all the others, nearly everyone had brought along private parcels for friends and relations in the Mother Country. Thus completed and prepared we headed out into the Great Australian Bight for Fremantle.

The memory of the crossing will live forever with some of the newcomers on board Shropshire for fate dealt an unkind hand by greeting us with a moderately rough sea, which not only added to the discomfiture of the women members, Army and Air Force but many of the young sailors as well. However, even all 'good' things come to an end and a few days brought the land in sight and one felt interested again upon seeing the distant peaks of Cape Leeuwin as a speck on the far horizon. On the beautiful crisp morning of 23 April we rounded sandy Rottnest Island into Gage Roads and up the Swan River to go alongside at North Wharf, Fremantle.

A rousing reception again awaited us from friends and relatives while an Army band played a welcome as we drew in and secured. Some practised marching on the wharf gave the land legs back to landlubbers and we prepared for the march through Perth which was to take place at noon on that day. The ship was only staying for twenty-four hours.

At noon we stepped off again in the march and the contingent showed that it was slowly coming into shape as a marching body and all appreciated the well applauded parade through warm-hearted Perth. The lord mayor's dinner followed and then leave was granted. The contingent melted away like spray in the breeze.

Forenoon on the following day saw us saying more fond farewells - some WA Members of the Contingent joined us here - more bundles for Britain were gathered in and promptly to time the ship moved away from the wharf, turned around and nosed its way out of the harbour and into the open sea towards the west. A long lazy open ocean swell remained with us for the next ten days to Cape Town, the weather chilly, but time on our hands gave the crew time to find their sea legs and settle themselves in to life on the ocean wave and Navy routine. Yarns were exchanged and the local jargon of each of the services intermingled, until soldiers were being heard to be piped to 'lay aft onto the quarter deck' and sailors were 'pranging on the deck!' The four inch gun deck became "Air Force house'. The contingent settled into its stride rapidly by doing daily drills and physical training. Games were organised - cricket, deck hockey, quoits, quiz sessions, tombola or housy housy, impromptu concerts - everyone joined in the fun. The women services more to the fore than the men, and ever in great demand.

The sweet voice of Dirothy Dox (counterpart of Dorothy Dix) was ever popular over the network of ship's speakers. Dirothy, First Officer Sheila McClements (beloved chief of all the WRANS) solved many a difficult problem to the great delight and amusement of everyone on board. The crew often wondered whether the lovelorn debonair dustman did eventually meet the blonde WAAF Sergeant.

The time passed quickly and to avoid the discomfort of bad weather and cold, the captain, Captain H. Showers, selected the northerly route to Cape Town and the island of Madagascar was faintly visible as we neared the South East African coast some eight days out. Hospitable Cape Town opened wide its doors to the visitors and each and everyone in Shropshire had a thoroughly enjoyable time during the two days stay.

Wrist watches, among other things, were very cheap and most shoppers from the ship were soon sporting a brand new timepiece. The wet weather caused cancellation of the march through the city, and the famous Table Mountain was visible only through a break in the clouds as we drew away from the crowds of friends on the wharf and headed again out into the open sea. Our north-westerly course took us into the warm weather and improved weather conditions gave all a chance to sit up and take notice. The warm sunshine seemed to make everyone lively and the skipping ropes ran hot, punching bag was punch drunk and many hot deck-hockey games closely disputed.

Because of so many newcomers on board a 'crossing the line' ceremony was in the air - Ha! Ha! for King Neptune and his court. It was too good an opportunity to miss. A ship's concert party was formed and rehearsals began. The two week's seatime to Freetown on the West African coast afforded plenty of time for practice, and the sight of land as we neared that port seemed a welcome change after the monotony of looking at the ocean day after day. The wrecks at the entrance and in the harbour of Freetown seemed to bring to mind that the war had indeed touched these places.

We had no sooner anchored than the natives appeared all around the ship in little cockleshells of canoes and some were offering wares for sale or exchange. Goods, such as monkeys, raffia baskets, silks and fruit were bartered for old clothing. Many a hard bargain was driven home over an old pair of pyjamas for a small basket. Ere the ship sailed from Freetown, she replenished with oil fuel. In the evening, all the old spare clothes had left the ship and a lot of rubbish came on board.

Here the natives dive out of their canoes for coins thrown into the water close by. The usual 'hard case' wrapped a penny in silver paper and threw it over. Six or seven natives dived for it but when the lucky winner came to the surface and discovered the deception he told all and sundry on deck in no uncertain English just what he thought of the joke. Most of these coloured gentlemen had seen service with the 14th Army in Burma. That night the concert was held on the quarterdeck. A nice stage was erected, complete with microphone, and the artists went forth. From the women's ballet to the concluding item, 'The Moonshiners', it was good, and as all the members on board could not see it the first night, it was put on for two nights and enjoyed immensely!

As we crossed the equator, King Neptune and his court ascended from the watery depths and demanded to know, 'What ship is this and whither bound' - I will hold court on board on the morrow'. WOW! Hold court he did and after serving our honours and awards he came forth right merrily and tried several erstwhile offenders. Commanders J.C. Morrow - Ahun! Oh Yes - Wot! No make and mends? Ye cods and cuttlefishes - Give him the works boys'.

The works he got The physician broke a ripe egg over his head, barber lathered him up and shaved him with his outsized wooden razor and into the tank among the bears - Oh Yez! Oh Yez! Sister Cherry Wilson' So they went on and good sports, each one of them took it, much to the admiration of the cheering onlookers, then they were thrown in and Nep and his court - Ah me, they were thrown in too.

The days drew out as we moved northward and as we came about the latitude of Gibraltar the sun came through strong and warm. The twilight evenings were lovely as one watched the big red sun settle over the horizon and enjoyed the cool wafting breeze as we slowly rolled our way merrily on to England. Noted for its bad weather, the Bay of Biscay was calm for us, but the heat gradually seemed to fade from the air and misty fogs assail us. Occasionally a light shower of rain cleared the night sleepers to shelter from the upper deck.

As day dawned on 30 May 1946, the ship seemed to be alive with an air of expectancy. A fog had settled early and there was a nip in the air. Tin trunks appeared, suitcases, packets, parcels wrapped - this day we reached our destination - Portsmouth in merry England. Word was passed that the Contingent would not leave the ship until the next morning, so that would give everyone a chance to look around Portsmouth.

A speck of land seemed to suddenly emerge out of the fog - the Isle of Wight - this was certainly getting near. Other land was visible in the foggy haze and soon a small tug hove in sight and came alongside bringing the pilot to see us safely down the harbour. The navigation marks of Nab and Warner passed and the sunshine peeped through, to remain with us as we progressed nearer the land. Beaches and houses now appeared and little objects, which were people and motor vehicles, could be seen moving about.

Everyone was at their station for entering harbour and our band on the quarterdeck began playing lively airs. People could be seen clearly now waving to us as we passed up the harbour. A large Royal Marine band was situated atop of a stone fort type of building, beefing out welcoming tunes to us and the familiar strains of 'Waltzing Matilda' echoing over the water seemed to say, 'Pat on the back Aussies, welcome to our shores. ' People were now waving and 'Coo-ees' could be heard from the foreshore. One little boy's voice came clearly over the water to us 'We don't want you 'ere ' caused a grin on every face. Some of the war damage could be seen, there were many gaps among the rows of houses and whole areas were cleared, here and there a wrecked ship lay on its side telling full well of just a few of the blows which the dear old Mother Country had suffered during the recent great struggle.

The WRENS turned out in force at their quarters on the waterfront to wave and welcome us. As we neared our berth at Pitchhouse jetty a small crowd had gathered and began waving and calling out the names of relatives and friends. The ship secured, gangway out, we were besieged by visitors. Cameramen and reporters by the dozen poured on board - friends, sweethearts met - happiness seemed to shine from the faces of all. Leave was curtailed until after the Resident Minister Mr Beasley had addressed us - so a little later we were all gathered on the forecastle of the ship and various personages spoke to the gathering. Leave was piped from noon and soon the ship became quiet and deserted as all hands melted away on to the shore. The jeep hoisted out and two familiar figures soon tested out Portsmouth's traffic problems.

Next forenoon the Contingent settled down to drill on the wharf Very little work was done by the dockyard hands that morning as they all seemed to stop work to watch us. On board ship final preparations were completed for our departure. Baggage hoisted out and taken away to Kensington Gardens, London, to await our arrival. The Contingent was drawn up as a complete body at 1200 on the dockside next to HMS Victory and as a parting gesture Captain Showers addressed us again, bidding a temporary farewell and informing us of the approved route back via the Mediterranean.

A regimental band was with us and we marched away and through the streets of Portsmouth for a mile and a half to the railway station. The rain came as we started and everyone became fairly wet and we were not sorry to get to the shelter of the train where we pecked a light lunch and settled down for the trip to London. At Waterloo Station in London we stretched our legs by a short march to the buses and in a few minutes we were viewing the battle-scarred face of this great city of London. Big Ben boomed out its familiar chimes as we passed the Houses of Parliament and a mental flash of its familiar chimes over the wireless back home brought to mind the fact that this famous clock could at least be called the 'Hub of the Empire'. The drizzle continued as we reached Kensington Gardens, but quickly proceeding to the tents allotted and, getting our luggage, we donned dry clothes.

The gardens had been converted into a tent city, the German POW's being employed in this duty. The whole area was covered by row after row of neatly laid out tents and fences, and seemed indeed so wonderfully picturesque among the leafy trees of foliage green. Besides the bell tents which were our quarters, loomed large marquees - the NAAFI canteens, mess tents, showers, drying tents, hospitality tents, post office, telephones - nothing was forgotten. The entire camp was fenced off and English military guards placed at the entrances. Passes were soon issued, camp orders read out and the contingent allowed leave.

Here we encountered uniforms and men of the fighting services of countries from all over the world. Signboards at strategic points indicated the locality of various camp groups. The Canadian, Australian and New Zealand contingents were quartered in close proximity to each other and soon friendly back chat was being passed between camps. A friendly atmosphere immediately sprang up which prevailed for the duration of our stay. The women members of our contingent were all quartered elsewhere and a little disorganized at first but this was soon rectified and they were able to join in with the hospitality so generously placed at our disposal.

On the Saturday following our arrival we were taken by buses to the embankment near Westminster Bridge, formed up and with a large band in front, marched through the Mall and along the West End to Australia House. There are always crowds in London and even this impromptu march brought cheers and applause from the onlookers as we passed along the highways.

The salute was taken at Australia House by Mr Beasley, our resident Minister, after which a dinner was given in honour of our visit. The dinner over and various speeches made by the many prominent guests, we again dispersed and proceeded on leave. A welcome dance was held in the evening at Australia House and a good sociable time enjoyed by all.

During the next week the contingent settled down to business - drilling, dressing, marching. The ranks were to be twelve-deep for the victory parade and this had to be practised - eyes right - eyes front, wheeling - halting. Each day we moved through the routine - first in groups - then as a body, until we all felt we were drilled and ready for the great day.

Various personages visited us at camp - chatting informally with everyone as they sat on a box perhaps in someone's tent. Invitations of hospitality poured in from everywhere. Some took part in movie dramas, others shook hands with royalty, most went to operas, ballets, plays, reviews, symphony concerts - all on complimentary tickets donated by our generous hosts. On the great day when the Royal Family visited us at camp we were lined on either side of the narrow roadway. The visit was to the Dominions contingent and a little later than the appointed time the King, Queen and the two Princesses arrived and slowly strolled down the roadway between the ranks.

The King was on one side and Queen opposite while the Princesses remained in the centre, and both stopped and chatted to some of the men and women in the ranks as they passed down the line. They presented a marvellous spectacle as they advanced in a group chatting and smiling, and immediately won the hearts of all those present. The most charming woman, Queen Elizabeth could only be described as lovely and the Princesses as beautiful. A parting remark from the Queen as she passed one group and said, 'It was awfully good of you all to come', sounded like all the nice things you could think of.

The Royal Family passed down the roadway followed by the retinue and vehicles and as the beautiful glistening Royal limousine came abreast one sailor, he couldn't resist having a crack at the Royal chauffeur by saying, 'I haven't seen that taxi on the rank'. The driver didn't even see the joke. The London taxis are of a special type not unlike mechanical beetles and the drivers old ancients. In the afternoon General Sir Oliver Leese entertained six hundred men of various contingents at an afternoon in the grounds of his country estate.

As we returned from practice on the broadwalk one forenoon several contingents converged on the Statue of "Physical Energy' in Kensington Gardens. The one and only Mr Winston Churchill had just completed a visit to one other contingent and was retiring to his car, when we blocked his path. Undecided at first as to which way he would go, he quickly decided and came to our ranks. We had halted and as he came long the ranks, we were all exceptionally pleased to get a close-up view of this famous man whom we knew only too well had led the Empire and Allies through the hard gruelling times of those dark days of struggle and strife and on to a victory. This man, with his bulldog tenacity, biting speech, and determination of purpose was here, right before us now.

He stopped and spoke to a few of the men as he passed along and if he could have read the message in every heart, he may have stopped and lingered with the men who admired and respected him so. He shook hands with Brigadier Moten, who was our second-in-command.

Practice continued daily and the leafy shades of Kensington Gardens echoed and re-echoed to the sounds of marching feet. Men from Iraq, Luxembourg, China, Fiji, Canada, the Evzones of Greece, Egyptians - there they were in their thousands. Uniforms gay and gaudy, plain khaki bare-footed warriors from the wilds of India - all practising and pacing as they pounded those solid roads and walks of dear old England.

AT LAST THE GREAT DAY ARRIVED! - 8 June 1946

'The Day of the Victory March'.
Leave expired the night before so that contingents would be up and about bright and early. 'The Dominion contingents will fall in at 0900', Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders. We were to march in one group with two bands in the lead, each contingent in formation according to seniority of services - Navy, Army, Air Force. We were timed to arrive at the stepping off place in Hyde Park at approximately 0930.

With a band giving us the pace, we all stepped off from the camp and marched to our position in Hyde Park near the Marble Arch. Signboards on the green showed us exactly where to halt and in formation across the grass we advanced until the 'halt' and 'dismiss', when a smoke-oh was called for. All other contingents were arriving and dismissing and the RN with great precision, advanced into position, halted and dismissed. Friendly words were exchanged for a time as we sat or stood and awaited further orders.

A voice boomed out over loudspeakers, 'Contingents will be warned to stand by ten minutes before starting time' and shortly after 'Allied contingents fall in - you will be stepped off in ten minutes time'. The organization was simple and perfect. The voice boomed out again, 'Allied contingent will be moving off in three minutes time'. They were called to attention and ready to start - and on the second it came - 'Allied contingent will qui- ick march'. They were off - the victory parade had begun. Then came our turn. 'Dominion contingents fall in - you will be stepped off in three minutes time'.

The crowds in Oxford Street and around the Marble Arch could be seen and heard cheering, clapping, waving flags at the Allied contingent who had just reached the roadway, when our warning came, 'Dominion contingents will be stepping off in three minutes time'. Our Major-General's voice rang out 'Australian contingent - Atten - shun', and over the speakers came - 'Dominion contingents will advance - by the centre qui -i - ck march!' Boom Boom Boom! Boom Boom Boom! Fifteen hundred uniformed figures stepped off as one. Out went the left feet fast - right arm up - left - right - left - This was it. This was our beginning of the never-to-be-forgotten day of the 'Victory Parade through London'.

Straight as an arrow, in perfect formation, down the green slope of Hyde Park. 'Right wheel - forward', through the gates and a quick manoeuvre - a slight squeeze and onto the roadway, 'Keep over right - follow the contingent in front'. The roaring throngs - cheering - clapping - the open broad road - packed on both sides with tightly pressed bodies - brass drums booming, the strains of music which stirred your blood - which made one feel as if walking on air The magnitude of this great day - the sudden realisation of it all - one could only feel dwarfed as all other thoughts vanished and a significant fact remained - keep marching - march as you have never done before.

One's skin felt suddenly prickled - hair as if standing on end - face flushed. It took a strong effort of willpower to concentrate on the march. The music re-echoed from a building and seemed to facilitate concentration once more - Ha! that felt much better. 'Boom, Boom, Boom!' 'Left, right, left,' it seemed to say, 'march on!' 'march on to victory!' Yes, who wouldn't be proud to be selected to march on this great day - proud to be there in person to represent your own country in the victory march of World War II. Indeed this would be the march of marches 'By the centre, heads up; swing the arms, square off shoulders, eyes to the front. Boom, Boom, Boom!'

The victory march gathered momentum as we straightened up and swung into our stride The mechanical columns had preceded the marchers. Long, long miles of countless vehicles of every description from the heaviest monsters to jeeps and London buses. Description could only beggar the actual spectacle.

The Canadian Air Force was in front of the RAN and the rear file comprised only members of the Canadian Air Force women's service in a neat row of twelve right across. Each RAN member of the front rank of our contingent selected out the woman whom he covered off and kept her in mind as a marker to cover off the distance by.

We had no ears for applause which became so deafening that the band was only faintly audible as the glistening instruments beefed out their best from in front. Settling into our stride we advanced, pace after pace and the smart trim legs and swish of the skirts of those Canadian girls just twenty-five paces in front as they moved along step after step in perfect rhythm, was an inspiration to those of us who could see them, to march as we had never marched before. From the corner of our eye we could see the teeming thousands lining the roadway - mile after mile as they merged into millions - cheering and going into rhapsodies.